The new VariCAD 2008 2.0 has been released, available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions and includes the following features:

• 2D drawing editor works also in 3D space, which is especially important for editing solid profiles and creation of new solids using profile rotation, extrusion etc.
• 2D drawing in 3D works also with access to 3D solids
• improvements in 2D drawing
• improvements in working with colors and color settings
• improvements in 3D display and objects selection
• and more

Reed Construction Data announced the SmartBIM Partnership Program, giving building product manufacturers the opportunity to have high-quality and brand-specific BIM objects modeled exclusively after their products, through SmartBIM Object Creation Services.

SmartBIM Objects are designed to simulate actual products and contain crucial product data and specifications that can be used within an Autodesk Revit model. In addition to creating objects, Reed Construction Data will provide its BIM content in a searchable environment on the web, as well as within the SmartBIM Library.

Events

AutoCAD Civil 3D Test Drive
Date:	July 7, 2008
Place:	Mt. Laurel Center, 309 Fellowship Rd Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 USA
Would you like to see how to intelligently link design and production drafting, greatly reducing the time it takes to implement changes? How about learning ways to streamline office processes, increase project capacity and improve customer service? Join us for this software overview to see how to complete projects faster, smarter, and more accurately. A complimentary lunch will be served from 12–1pm.
Concrete: Construction's Sustainable Option
Date:	July 8 - 10, 2008
Place:	Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
In the long series of concrete congresses since 1986, the Trade Fair has grown to become the focal point of the event. Concrete producers, material suppliers, project contractors, instrument manufacturers, consultancies, publishers, research, educational, and professional institutions, as well as local and government bodies are all represented. Their fields of competence cover the full spectrum of subject areas of the congress and this provides an exceptional opportunity to substantiate the knowledge attained at the sessions by the acclaimed and very popular technology demonstrations.
DesignDC '08: Leading ReNEWal
Date:	July 8 - 10, 2008
Place:	Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center Washington, DC USA
Don't miss out on the fourth annual DesignDC, July 8-10, 2008. This year we are continuing with our green theme but with a twist: looking at how sustainable design and adaptive reuse, historic preservation and downtown revitalization can all work together.
Revit MEP 2008 Test Drive
Date:	July 11, 2008
Place:	Mt. Laurel Center, 309 Fellowship Rd. Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 USA
Get a first look at the building information modeling software available for MEP engineers. Discover the distinct differences between Revit based products and traditional CAD. Learn how to use the tools that help to easily create duct runs, size systems, wire devices and more. A complimentary lunch will be served from 12–1pm.
AutoCAD MEP 2008 Test Drive
Date:	July 11, 2008
Place:	Mt. Laurel Center, 309 Fellowship Rd. Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 USA
Learn to layout duct systems and place wire devices. Become introduced to the new piping functionality in an improved operating environment. Physically perform practical mechanical, electrical and plumbing design tasks. A complimentary lunch will be served from 12–1pm.
LCI Cascadia: UW Health Sciences Lab Project Tour
Date:	July 12, 2008
Place:	Seattle, WA USA
Skanska and BMWC Constructors have offered LCI Cascadia chapter, in partnership with WSSHE, the opportunity to tour the Health Sciences Laboratories in the G and H Wing of the University of Washington Medical Center.
Philadelphia AutoCAD User Group (PAUG)
Date:	July 16, 2008
Place:	Montgomery County Community College, Science Center Building, Room 214 2nd Fl 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422-0758 USA
The Philadelphia AutoCAD User Group (PAUG) (www.paug.net ) has the distinction of being one of the longest running AutoCAD user groups in the county. Founded in 1983, PAUG is the only AutoCAD User Group in the Philadelphia region. The purpose of the organization has always been educational and is still dedicated to the free exchange of information related to the use of Autodesk products in an informal atmosphere. The group, re-focused on becoming a ‘Power User’ group, will give primary attention to seasoned users and CAD Managers. Every topic that touches AutoCAD and its day to day use is eventually addressed at the FREE quarterly meetings. PAUG returns to the Montgomery County Community College ( www.mc3.edu) in Blue Bell, PA, on the third Wednesday of every 3rd month. Please feel free to contact Tim Kramer, President-elect, at 484-678-7516 with questions or concerns. Time: 6:30 – 9:00pm
AutoCAD Architecture Test Drive
Date:	July 17, 2008
Place:	Days Inn Hotel 9615 Deereco Rd, Timonium, MD 21093 USA
Experience how creating and sharing accurate drafting and construction documents is made more efficient with the system’s familiar environment, flexible implementation options, and easy-to-use architectural drawing and design tools. See how the DWG file format enables coordinated collaboration between engineers and design professionals, and integrated rendering can bring your client presentations to life. A complimentary lunch will be served from 12–1pm. Time: 9:00am -12:00pm
Revit Architecture Test Drives
Date:	July 17, 2008
Place:	Days Inn Hotel 9615 Deereco Rd, Timonium, MD 21093 USA
See how easy it is for you create naturally, design freely, and deliver efficiently. And because it is purpose-built for building information modeling (BIM), any change you make, anytime, anywhere, is automatically coordinated everywhere in your project. Design and documentation stay coordinated, consistent, and complete. A complimentary lunch will be served from 12–1pm. Time: 1:00 - 4:00pm
Revit Structure Test Drive
Date:	July 24, 2008
Place:	Sheraton Dover Hotel 1570 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 USA
Revit Structure can save you hours by linking your design and analysis programs. Avoid the lengthy process of coordinating information and re-modeling. Focus on your design, produce accurate and consistent documentation, and deliver on time, on budget with Revit Structure! Use building information modeling to do higher value tasks and produce fully coordinated construction drawings. Take advantage of parametric change technology so a change in one view accurately updates in all other views. Experience how to use a single integrated model for multiple analyses and documentation. Come on out and try it for yourself. See firsthand how this powerful BIM design tool can simplify your current methods. Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm

You can find the full AECCafe.com event calendar here.

To read more news, click here.


-- Susan Smith, AECCafe.com Managing Editor.